MoSi SNSPDs with reduced cryogenic requirements

WSi SNSPDs are the highest-performing single photon detectors available in the infrared, but have a 1K operating temperature. Such detectors are currently baselined for future optical communication ground terminals. MoSi is another amorphous superconductor, but with a 7K bulk operating temperature. In preliminary experiments conducted at NIST Boulder & U. Geneva, MoSi SNSPDs have demonstrated comparable detection efficiency, timing jitter, and device yield to WSi SNSPDs, but at higher operating temperature. Objectives: Design, fabricate and test MoSi SNSPD arrays for time-correlated single photon counting at 3K operating temperatures; Fabricate devices in MDL; Test devices in SNSPD test lab

DSOC ground terminal is currently baselining a complex superconducting detector instrument with a 1K cryostat at the Palomar Observatory. CIF-funded MoSi technology development could feed directly into DSOC project, reducing cost, risk, and complexity. Can also benefit other SNSPD applications, such as quantum communication, quantum computing, and optical ranging. If used as a \xd2drop-in\xd3 replacement for WSi, MoSi can make JPL more competitive for single photon detector development projects from NASA, DARPA, private industry and OGAs.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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